Our team was brought in to decorate and design multiple areas of a penthouse apartment, including the Master Bedroom, Rumpus Room, Guest Bedroom located upstairs, as well as the Office, Dining, and Lounge situated downstairs in an open-plan setup. With a blank slate to work with, we aimed for a contemporary styling downstairs and a more transitional, storybook-like ambiance upstairs.
The client had an existing sleek kitchen downstairs featuring black granite marble and gloss white cabinetry, which we had to consider in our design approach. The penthouse apartment overlooked the popular Glenelg foreshore, providing a stunning backdrop. The client’s primary directive was to work with the existing foundation, including the floors and wall colour, while incorporating her love for the colour blue.
To cater to the client’s affinity for blue, we integrated various shades of this colour throughout the design. Downstairs, we aimed to balance the sleekness of the kitchen with softer tactile elements. In the Office, we defined the space with a vibrant geometric hexagonal pattern cowhide rug in shades of blue and green. A white slatted sideboard was added to conceal paperwork and office equipment, while a custom display unit spanning the length of the room provided multi-toned neutrals with wood accents, harmonising with the nearby kitchen. A beautiful centrally placed desk from Blu Dot, accompanied by an ocean blue velvet desk chair, completed the office space.
In the Dining room, we took into consideration the 90s vibe reflected in the glass blocks. We introduced a round oak table with seating for six, surrounded by sapphire blue channelled back dining chairs. A single ceiling plate suspended three grey glass pendants, incorporating colours from the adjacent kitchen and office cabinet. A circular rug defined the zone and echoed the shape of the dining table.
Moving into the Lounge space, we specified a custom-made, hand-knotted wool and sari silk rug spanning 6 meters to fill the area. The rug featured blues and greens, seamlessly blending with the ocean view beyond when seen from the front door. Recliners tailored to the client’s seating preferences were added, along with a three-seater sofa positioned between the sliding doors leading to the balcony. A coffee table and ottoman completed the space.
To connect all three areas downstairs, we painted the single connecting wall in a deep sandy tone. Sheer curtains were added over the existing roller blinds, elevating the space and bookending the office windows.
Heading upstairs, we faced the challenge of harsh angles due to the apartment’s roofline. To soften the space, we incorporated curves into the design. The windows, which also featured angular shapes, except for the circular window in the Master Bedroom resembling a porthole, were enhanced by replacing the existing dark honeycomb blinds with custom-made painted plantation shutters.
In the Master Bedroom, a custom-made light blue upholstered bed with curved features was placed strategically between the angled lines of the room. Flanking the bed were wooden lamps resembling lighthouses. Blue bed linen and a navy wingback armchair completed the space.
In the Rumpus Room, we repurposed the client’s wooden miner’s couch by reupholstering the seat and bolster cushions, breathing new life into it and enhancing the beachy vibe. Above the fold-out couch, we hung the client’s metal seagull wall sculpture in front of a wallpaper with cloud motifs, setting the desired atmosphere for the upstairs spaces.
For the Guest Bedroom, we specified an upholstered bed, new bed linen, bedside table, and lamp, ensuring a comfortable and inviting space for visitors.
By carefully curating each area and incorporating the client’s love for the colour blue, we transformed the penthouse apartment into a stylish and harmonious sanctuary, showcasing both contemporary and transitional elements.